U.S. patent number 6,285,986 [Application Number 09/425,497] was granted by the patent office on 2001-09-04 for method of and apparatus for interactive automated registration, negotiation and marketing for combining products and services from one or more vendors together to be sold as a unit.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Venturemakers LLC. Invention is credited to Christopher C. Andrews.
United States Patent |
6,285,986 |
Andrews |
September 4, 2001 |
Method of and apparatus for interactive automated registration,
negotiation and marketing for combining products and services from
one or more vendors together to be sold as a unit
Abstract
A method of interactive, automated registration, negotiation and
marketing for combining products and services from one or more
vendors together to be sold as a unit allows vendors of products
and services to post information about their products/services on a
server, preferably accessible over the internet, for inclusion
within bundles or collections of products and/or services. Bundle
vendors then generate bundles of products/services by viewing and
selecting available products/services from the posted available
products/services. Members accessing the bundle system are able to
view, select and purchase bundles generated and posted by the
bundle vendors. The members and vendors preferably access the
bundle server over the internet through the public switched
telephone network. When a bundle is purchased by a member, the
products/services within the bundle are then shipped or provided to
the member either as a unit or separately from the participant
vendors of the products/services included within the bundle. A
bundle tracking system allows both members and vendors to obtain
status information regarding currently existing bundles. Using the
bundle system of the present invention, vendors can post
products/services for inclusion in bundles advertised and sold to
members accessing the bundle system.
Inventors: |
Andrews; Christopher C. (Los
Altos, CA) |
Assignee: |
Venturemakers LLC (Campbell,
CA)
|
Family
ID: |
26846035 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/425,497 |
Filed: |
October 22, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/80;
705/26.81; 705/27.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q
30/02 (20130101); G06Q 30/0635 (20130101); G06Q
30/0641 (20130101); G06Q 50/188 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06Q
30/00 (20060101); G06F 017/60 () |
Field of
Search: |
;705/26,27,14 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9-128894A |
|
Dec 1998 |
|
JP |
|
WO 99/07121 |
|
Feb 1999 |
|
WO |
|
Other References
Joy K., "Secrets of Cross-Marketing," High-Tech Marketing, vol. 4,
No. 4, pp. 40-41. Apr. 1997.* .
Kohli, R., et al., "Coordinating Buyer-Seller Transactions across
Multiple Products," Management Science, vol. 40, No. 9, pp.
1145-1150 (Abstract only), Sep. 1994..
|
Primary Examiner: Millin; Vincent
Assistant Examiner: Rosen; Nicholas David
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Haverstock & Owens LLP
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) of
the co-pending U.S. provisional application Serial No. 60/148,639
filed on Aug. 11, 1999 and entitled "MULTI-PERSON AUTOMATED
REGISTRY, NEGOTIATING AND MARKETING SYSTEM FOR PRODUCTS WHICH ARE
PACKAGED TOGETHER ("BUNDLES")." The provisional application Serial
No. 60/148,639 filed on Aug. 11, 1999 and entitled "MULTI-PERSON
AUTOMATED REGISTRY, NEGOTIATING AND MARKETING SYSTEM FOR PRODUCTS
WHICH ARE PACKAGED TOGETHER ("BUNDLES") is also hereby incorporated
by reference.
Claims
I claim:
1. A method of generating a collection of items to be advertised
and sold as a bundle comprising the steps of:
a. posting available items available from item vendors for
inclusion within the bundle for review by bundle vendors, wherein a
listing of the available items and information about the available
items is stored on and accessed through a bundle server;
b. selecting by a bundle vendor one or more of the posted available
items to be included within the bundle; and
c. posting by the bundle vendor the bundle as available for
purchase.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the step of
accepting and processing orders of the bundle.
3. The method as claimed in claim 2 further comprising the step of
providing the items within the bundle to a purchaser.
4. The method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the step of providing
includes shipping items within the bundle together as a single
unit.
5. The method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the step of providing
includes shipping items within the bundle separately from each item
vendor of the items within the bundle.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the items include
selective ones of products, goods, services, rebates and
coupons.
7. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of posting
available items is performed by the bundle server on which the
information about the available items is stored.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7 further comprising the step of
establishing an internet connection with the server to view and
select the available items for inclusion within the bundle.
9. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of posting the
bundle is performed by a server on which a bundle profile is
stored.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9 further comprising the step of
generating a bundle profile including information on the items
included within the bundle.
11. The method as claimed in claim 9 further comprising the step of
establishing an internet connection with the server to view the
bundle profile of the bundle.
12. The method as claimed in claim 11 wherein the internet
connection is established with a computer system at a remote
location from the server.
13. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the step of
registering the vendors as a selective one or more of an item
vendor having items for inclusion within the bundle and a bundle
vendor taking responsibility for generating a bundle.
14. The method as claimed in claim 13 further comprising the step
of negotiating terms of the bundle between the bundle vendor and
the item vendors.
15. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the step of
obtaining feedback on the bundle from a selective group of
users.
16. A bundle system for posting items to be included within a
bundle and generating a collection of items to be advertised and
sold within a bundle comprising:
a. means for posting available items available from item vendors
for inclusion within the bundle for review by bundle vendors;
b. means for generating a bundle coupled to the means for posting
for allowing a bundle vendor to select one or more available items
to be included within the bundle; and
c. means for posting the bundle coupled to the means for generating
for posting the bundle by the bundle vendor as available for
purchase.
17. The bundle system as claimed in claim 16 wherein the means for
posting the bundle further accepts and processes orders for the
bundle.
18. The bundle system as claimed in claim 17 wherein the means for
posting available items is included within a server on which
information about the available items is stored.
19. The bundle system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the means for
posting the bundle is also included within the server on which a
bundle profile is stored.
20. The bundle system as claimed in claim 19 wherein a connection
is established between a computer system and the server to view and
select the available items for inclusion within the bundle, to view
the bundle profile of the bundle and to place an order to purchase
the bundle.
21. The bundle system as claimed in claim 20 wherein the connection
is established between the computer system and the server over the
internet.
22. The bundle system as claimed in claim 21 wherein the bundle
profile includes information on the items within the bundle.
23. The bundle system as claimed in claim 22 wherein the items
include selective ones of products, goods and services.
24. A bundle system to post items to be included within a bundle
and generating a collection of items to be advertised and sold
within a bundle comprising:
a. an interface circuit configured to establish a connection with a
remote computer system; and
b. a bundle server coupled to the interface circuit to allow item
vendors to post available items for inclusion within the bundle for
review by bundle vendors, to generate a bundle by allowing a bundle
vendor to select one or more available items to be included within
the bundle and to post the bundle by the bundle vendor as available
to purchase.
25. The bundle system as claimed in claim 24 wherein the bundle
server further accepts and processes orders of the bundle.
26. The bundle system as claimed in claim 24 wherein the connection
is established with the remote computer system and the interface
circuit over the internet to allow bundle vendors to view and
select the available items for inclusion within the bundle and to
allow users to view and purchase the bundle.
27. The bundle system as claimed in claim 26 wherein only users
registered with the bundle server as members are allowed to view
and purchase bundles.
28. The bundle system as claimed in claim 24 wherein the items
include selective ones of products, goods and services.
29. The bundle system as claimed in claim 24 wherein the vendors
are registered with the bundle server as a selective one or more of
an item vendor having items for inclusion within the bundle and a
bundle vendor taking responsibility for generating a bundle.
30. A network of devices for generating a collection of items to be
advertised and sold as a unit comprising:
a. one or more computer systems configured to communicate with
other systems; and
b. a bundle server configured to couple to the one or more computer
systems to allow item vendors to post available items for inclusion
within a bundle for review by bundle vendors, to generate a bundle
by allowing a bundle vendor to select one or more available items
to be included within the bundle and to post the bundle by the
bundle vendor as available to purchase.
31. The network of devices as claimed in claim 30 wherein the
bundle server further accepts and processes orders of the
bundle.
32. The network of devices as claimed in claim 31 wherein the one
or more computer systems and the bundle server are coupled together
over the internet to allow bundle vendors to view and select the
available items for inclusion within the bundle and to allow users
to view and purchase the bundle.
33. The network of devices as claimed in claim 32 wherein the
vendors are registered with the bundle server as a selective one or
more of an item vendor having items for inclusion within the bundle
and a bundle vendor taking responsibility for generating a
bundle.
34. The network of devices as claimed in claim 33 wherein only
users registered with the bundle server as members are allowed to
view and purchase bundles.
35. The network of devices as claimed in claim 34 wherein the items
include selective ones of products, goods and services.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of systems for selling
and promoting products and services. More particularly, the present
invention relates to the field of systems for automatically selling
and promoting groups of products and services.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The World Wide Web (also known as and hereinafter referred to as
the "Internet") is a rapidly expanding network of computers which
provide users with numerous services and a wealth of information.
The internet is primarily a visually based system, allowing a user
to graphically interact with an image or series of images on a
display screen.
The internet was originally created as a non-commercial venue to
provide communication links between government institutions as well
as institutions of higher learning. Today, the internet has evolved
to become a universal network of computers which include private
industry as well as government institutions. The internet has
become widely accessible to many people from computers located in
many different places including homes and offices. Users are able
to locate updated information regarding the weather, stock prices,
news and many other topics. Further, users are able to locate a
wide variety of information regarding products and services. Users
are also able to buy products and services from retail-oriented
internet sites which are then shipped or provided to them after
their order is placed. On auction-oriented internet sites users are
able to bid against other users for products or services with the
user making the highest bid within the specified time period
receiving the particular product or service. Users are also able to
communicate with other users over the internet through e-mail,
bulletin boards, message lists and chat sites.
The internet offers many advantages over other media. The internet
seamlessly links together and provides to users information stored
on geographically distant servers. Similarly, the information on a
server can be remotely updated from any geographic point from which
access to the internet can be obtained.
When a user accesses information on a server over the internet, the
user interfaces with the server through a website. Many websites
offer hyperlinks to other websites, making the internet user
friendly and allowing users to efficiently jump between websites
and webpages. When accessing a website with a hyperlink to another
website, by selecting the hyperlink, the user is enabled to link
directly from the current website to the linked website without
entering an address of the linked website. In use, a hyperlink is a
visually discernible notation. The user activates or selects the
hyperlink by "clicking" on the hyperlink notation or icon. This
selection of the hyperlink is also referred to as a point and click
operation. The user's computer is programmed to automatically
access the website identified by the hyperlink as a result of the
user's point and click operation.
When accessing an internet site, a user instructs a computer
system, settop box or other internet access device to dial up the
server of the user's internet service provider. The internet access
device then controls the operation of a modem to establish the
connection with the internet service provider over the public
switched telephone network. Once a connection has been made between
the modem and the internet service provider, the user must then log
on to the service, usually by entering a usemame and a password.
When the user is logged on to the service, the user can then access
services and information provided by the service provider and also
information available through web pages at other addresses on the
internet. When accessing information available over the internet,
the user connects through their service provider to other servers
which are providing information. This information is usually
provided at internet sites and web pages. Each internet site and
web page has a particular address through which it can be accessed.
By entering this address, the user is instructing their internet
service provider to connect them to that address. As described
above, the user also instructs their internet service provider to
connect them to a specific address by selecting a hyperlink through
a point and click operation.
When accessing retail-oriented internet sites, a user is typically
able to search for and obtain information about products and
services offered by the site. If the user decides to purchase a
product from the site, the user selects the hyperlink corresponding
to the product. Typically, the user then enters payment and
shipping information notifying the internet site how the user is
going to pay for the product and to where the user would like the
product shipped. On auction-related internet sites, if the user has
the highest bid at the end of the specified time period, then the
user also enters the payment and shipping information.
For manufacturers and vendors of products and services the
above-described models for retail-oriented and auction-related
internet sites are currently the most viable options for selling
their product or service over the internet. Typically, their
product or service is advertised, sold and shipped individually.
There is currently no system for automatically grouping products
and services from multiple vendors into a group or bundle which is
then advertised and sold as a unit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A method of interactive, automated registration, negotiation and
marketing for combining products and services from one or more
vendors together to be sold as a unit allows vendors of products
and services to post information about their products/services on a
server, preferably accessible over the internet, for inclusion
within bundles or collections of products and/or services. Bundle
vendors then generate bundles of products/services by viewing and
selecting available products/services from the posted available
products/services. Members accessing the bundle system are able to
view, select and purchase bundles generated and posted by the
bundle vendors. The members and vendors preferably access the
bundle server over the internet through the public switched
telephone network. When a bundle is purchased by a member, the
products/services within the bundle are then shipped or provided to
the member either as a unit or separately from the participant
vendors of the products/services included within the bundle. A
bundle tracking system allows both members and vendors to obtain
status information regarding currently existing bundles. Using the
bundle system of the present invention, vendors can post
products/services for inclusion in bundles advertised and sold to
members accessing the bundle system.
In one aspect of the present invention, a method of generating a
collection of items to be advertised and sold as a bundle includes
the steps of posting available items for inclusion within the
bundle for review by vendors, selecting one or more items to be
included within the bundle and posting the bundle as available for
purchase. The method further includes the step of accepting and
processing orders of the bundle. Preferably, the items include
selective ones of products, goods and services. The step of posting
available items is performed by a server on which information about
the available items is stored. The method further includes the step
of establishing an internet connection with the server to view and
select the available items for inclusion within the bundle. The
step of posting the bundle is preferably performed by a server on
which a bundle profile is stored. The method further includes the
step of generating a bundle profile including information on the
items included within the bundle. The method further includes the
step of establishing an internet connection with the server to view
the bundle profile of the bundle. The internet connection is
preferably established with a computer system at a remote location
from the server. The method further includes the step of
registering the vendors as a selective one or more of a participant
vendor having items for inclusion within the bundle and a bundle
vendor taking responsibility for generating a bundle. The method
further includes the step of negotiating terms of the bundle
between the bundle vendor and the participant vendors. The method
further includes the step of obtaining feedback on the bundle from
a selective group of the users.
In another aspect of the present invention, a bundle system for
posting items to be included within a bundle and generating a
collection of items to be advertised and sold within a bundle
includes means for posting available items for inclusion within the
bundle for review by vendors, means for generating a bundle coupled
to the means for posting for selecting one or more available items
to be included within the bundle and means for posting the bundle
coupled to the means for generating for posting the bundle as
available for purchase. The means for posting the bundle further
accepts and processes orders for the bundle. The means for posting
available items is included within a server on which information
about the available items is stored. The means for posting the
bundle is also included within the server on which a bundle profile
is stored. A connection is established with a computer system and
the server to view and select the available items for inclusion
within the bundle, to view the bundle profile of the bundle and to
place an order to purchase the bundle. The connection is preferably
established between the computer system and the server over the
internet. The bundle profile includes information on the items
within the bundle. The items preferably include selective ones of
products, goods and services.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a bundle system to
post items to be included within a bundle and generating a
collection of items to be advertised and sold within a bundle
includes an interface circuit configured to establish a connection
with a remote computer system and a bundle server coupled to the
interface circuit to post available items for inclusion within the
bundle for review by vendors, to generate a bundle by selecting one
or more available items to be included within the bundle and to
post the bundle as available to purchase. The bundle server further
accepts and processes orders of the bundle. The connection is
established with the remote computer system and the interface
circuit over the internet to allow vendors to view and select the
available items for inclusion within the bundle and to allow users
to view and purchase the bundle. Preferably, only users registered
with the bundle server as a member are allowed to view and purchase
bundles. The items preferably include selective ones of products,
goods and services. The vendors are preferably registered with the
bundle server as a selective one or more of a participant vendor
having items for inclusion within the bundle and a bundle vendor
taking responsibility for generating a bundle.
In still yet another aspect of the present invention, a network of
devices for generating a collection of items to be advertised and
sold as a unit includes one or more computer systems configured to
communicate with other systems and a bundle server configured to
couple to the one or more computer systems to post available items
for inclusion within a bundle for review by vendors, to generate a
bundle by selecting one or more available items to be included
within the bundle and to post the bundle as available to purchase.
The bundle server further accepts and processes orders of the
bundle. The one or more computer systems and the bundle server are
preferably coupled together over the internet to allow vendors to
view and select the available items for inclusion within the bundle
and to allow users to view and purchase the bundle. The vendors are
preferably registered with the bundle server as a selective one or
more of a participant vendor having items for inclusion within the
bundle and a bundle vendor taking responsibility for generating a
bundle. Preferably, only users registered with the bundle server as
a member are allowed to view and purchase bundles. Preferably, the
items include selective ones of products, goods and services.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram schematic of a bundling system
according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the internal components of
the computer systems used to access the bundling controller of the
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart showing the process used when a
vendor accesses the vendor access system of the present
invention.
FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart showing the bundle product entry
process used when a vendor posts products or services for inclusion
within bundles generated using the bundle system of the present
invention.
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a flowchart showing the bundle creation
system process used when a bundle vendor generates a bundle or
collection of products or services within the bundle system of the
present invention.
FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the process used when a
member accesses the member access system.
FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart showing the member notification
system process of the present invention.
FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart showing the bundle tracking system
process of the present invention.
FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart showing the process involved in
generating a status report within the bundle system of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Using the bundling system of the present invention, a vendor posts
an available product/service for inclusion in bundles or
collections of products and/or services to a bundle server using a
product entry system. To post a product/service, a vendor enters
information about the product into the bundle server through the
vendor access system. The product/service information is then
stored within the bundle server and displayed with other available
products/services for vendors to view. To generate a bundle, a
bundle vendor then views the available products/services on the
bundle server and selects particular products/services to include
within the bundle. Once a bundle is generated, a bundle profile is
created for the bundle which includes information about the bundle
and the products/services included within the bundle. When a bundle
and bundle profile are generated, information about the bundle and
the bundle profile are stored within the bundle server and
displayed with other available bundles to be viewed by members
accessing the bundle server through a member access system. Members
access the bundle server through the member access system to view,
select and purchase bundles from the available bundles posted on
the bundle server. When a bundle is purchased by a member, the
products/services within the bundle are then shipped or provided to
the member either as a unit or separately from the participant
vendors of the products/services included within the bundle. The
members and vendors preferably access the bundle server over the
internet through the public switched telephone network. The
bundling system also includes a bundle tracking system which
preferably allows both members and vendors to obtain status
information regarding currently existing bundles. Using the
bundling system of the present invention, vendors can post
products/services for inclusion in bundles advertised and sold to
members of the bundle system. Also, using the bundling system of
the present invention, bundle vendors can generate bundles of
products/services posted on the bundle server which are then
advertised and sold to members of the bundling system.
The terms good, product and service are used interchangeably within
this document to describe items included within bundles. Any item,
including a good, product or service, that can be bought, sold,
traded or given away, can be posted to and included within a bundle
advertised on the bundle system of the present invention. It should
be understood that when the terms good, product or service are
used, these terms are used to generally refer to both available
items and available services provided by vendors. Also, while the
term product/service is used herein to generally refer to items
available for and included within bundles, a vendor can also post
and include a coupon, rebate and/or other incentive, for inclusion
within bundles.
A block diagram of a bundling system according to the preferred
embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. A
bundling controller 10 includes an internet server 12, a member
access system 14, a vendor access system 18 and a bundle tracking
system 16. The member access system 14 is coupled to the internet
server 12 and to the bundle tracking system 16 to control
communications between the bundling controller 10 and members
accessing the bundling system. As used herein, members are users of
the bundling system which access the bundling controller 10 to
view, purchase and review bundles of products/services preferably
over the internet. As used herein, the term member includes one or
more of an individual, group of individuals, association,
corporation or any other person or entity accessing the bundle
system to review and purchase bundles. Preferably, a member is
registered with the bundle system of the present invention.
Alternatively, a member is any user or group of users accessing the
bundle system of the present invention.
The vendor access system 18 is coupled to the internet server 12
and to the bundle tracking system 16 to control communications
between the bundling controller 10 and product/service vendors. As
used herein, vendors are users of the bundling system which access
the bundling controller 10 to post products/services for inclusion
in bundles and to generate bundles which include their and/or
others' products/services for sale on the bundling system of the
present invention. As used herein, the term vendor includes one or
more of individual or groups of manufacturers, resellers,
retailers, owners, providers and any other person or entity
accessing the bundle system to post products/services for inclusion
in bundles and to generate bundles which include their own and/or
others' products/services for sale on the bundling system of the
present invention. A participant vendor is a vendor whose
product/service is included within a bundle. A bundle vendor is a
vendor responsible for generating a bundle. The vendor access
system 18 includes a product entry system 20 and a bundle creation
system 22. The bundle tracking system 16 is accessed by both
members and vendors to check the status of a particular bundle.
The bundling controller 10 is coupled to the public switched
telephone network 24 to allow communications between both the
internet server 12 and the members' computer systems 26-32 and the
vendors' computer systems 34-40. Using the computer systems 26-32,
members can establish a connection with the member access system 14
to view, purchase and review product/service bundles. Preferably,
this connection is established between the members' computer
systems 26-32 and the bundling controller 10 over the internet
through the public switched telephone network 24. Alternatively,
this connection is established by any appropriate connection
including a direct connection over the public switched telephone
network 24. Using the computer systems 34-40, vendors establish a
connection with the vendor access system 18 to post
products/services for inclusion in bundles and to generate bundles
with theirs and/or others products. Preferably, this connection is
established between the vendors' computer systems 34-40 and the
bundling controller 10 over the internet through the public
switched telephone network 24. Alternatively, this connection is
established by any appropriate connection including a direct
connection over the public switched telephone network 24.
A block diagram of the internal components of the computer systems
26-40 used by members and vendors to access the bundling controller
10 of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 2. While the
bundling controller 10 can be accessed from any appropriately
configured computer system or internet access device, an exemplary
computer system 50 for accessing the bundling controller 10 is
illustrated in FIG. 2. The exemplary computer system 50 includes a
CPU 72, a main memory 56, a video memory 60, a mass storage device
54 and a modem 52, all coupled together by a conventional
bidirectional system bus 58. The modem 52 is preferably coupled to
the public switched telephone network 24 for sending and receiving
communications. The mass storage device 54 may include both fixed
and removable media using any one or more of magnetic, optical or
magneto-optical storage technology or any other available mass
storage technology. The system bus 58 contains an address bus for
addressing any portion of the memory 54, 56 and 60. The system bus
58 also includes a data bus for transferring data between and among
the CPU 72, the main memory 56, the video memory 60, the mass
storage device 54 and the modem 52.
The computer system 50 is also coupled to a number of peripheral
input and output devices including the keyboard 68, the mouse 70
and the associated display 66. The keyboard 68 is coupled to the
CPU 72 for allowing a user to input data and control commands into
the computer system 50. A conventional mouse 70 is coupled to the
keyboard 68 or computer system 50, directly, for manipulating
graphic images on the display 66 as a cursor control device in a
conventional manner. The display 66 displays video and graphical
images generated by the computer system 50.
A port of the video memory 60 is coupled to a video multiplex and
shifter circuit 62, which in turn is coupled to a video amplifier
64. The video amplifier 64 drives the display 66, when it is being
used. The video multiplex and shifter circuitry 62 and the video
amplifier 64 convert pixel data stored in the video memory 60 to
raster signals suitable for use by the display 66.
A flowchart illustrating the process used when a vendor accesses
the vendor access system 18 is illustrated in FIG. 3. It should be
understood that a vendor as used herein, includes not only
conventional vendors of products such as a manufacturer,
distributor or retailer, but also includes any person or entity
owning a product or providing a service that they would like to
post on the bundle system of the present invention, including
members of the bundle system. A vendor can post a product/service
on the bundle system for inclusion in a bundle, even if the
product/service is one of a kind or of limited quantity. The
process of FIG. 3 starts at the step 100. At the step 102 it is
determined if the vendor currently accessing the vendor access
system 18 is registered with the vendor access system 18. If the
vendor is not yet registered with the vendor access system 18, then
the vendor is registered at the step 104, by entering registration
information such as name, address and types of products/services
that the vendor carries or provides. Once the vendor is registered
with the vendor access system 18, then it is determined at the step
106 if the vendor would like to post products or services to the
bundling controller 10 for other vendors and sellers to include
within bundles. If the vendor does want to add products or services
for inclusion within bundles, then at the step 112, the process
jumps to the product entry system process, which will be described
below. If the vendor does not want to add products or services for
inclusion within bundles, then it is determined at the step 108 if
the vendor would like to generate a bundle of products/services
posted for inclusion within bundles. If the vendor does want to
create a bundle of posted products/services, then at the step 114,
the process jumps to the bundle creation system process, which will
be described below.
If the vendor does not want to generate a bundle of posted
products/services, then it is determined at the step 110 if the
vendor would like to review the status of an already created bundle
of products/services. If the vendor does want to review the status
of an already created bundle of products/services, then at the step
116, the process jumps to the bundle tracking system process, which
will be described below. If the vendor does not want to review the
status of an already created bundle of products/services, then the
vendor access system process ends at the step 118.
A flowchart illustrating the bundle product entry process used when
a vendor wants to add products or services for inclusion within
bundles is illustrated in FIG. 4. The product entry process starts
at the step 120. At the step 121, the vendor is prompted to enter
the name of the product/service. At the step 122, the vendor is
prompted to enter a short description of the product/service. At
the step 123, the vendor is prompted to enter the suggested retail
price for the product/service and the price at which the vendor is
willing to sell the product/service for inclusion in a bundle. If
the vendor of the product/service is willing to have the
product/service included in a bundle which will be auctioned, then
the vendor can also specify a minimum auction price for the
product/service. At the step 124, the vendor is prompted to enter
the number of units available. The number of units available can be
any number including one. At the step 125, the vendor is prompted
to determine if the product/service is available for inclusion in a
virtual bundle. A virtual bundle is a bundle in which each
participant vendor agrees to ship or provide their product/service
directly to the purchasing member. In such a virtual bundle, the
products/services are not bundled and shipped together, but are
rather sold as a bundle and then shipped or provided separately
from each participant vendor, directly to the purchasing members.
Accordingly, by stating that the product/service is available for
inclusion in a virtual bundle, the participant vendor is committing
to ship or provide the product/service directly to the purchasing
member.
At the step 126, it is determined if the vendor wants to approve
any bundles in which their product/service is included. If the
vendor does not want to approve any bundles in which their
product/service is included, then when their product is chosen for
inclusion within a bundle, the bundle system automatically
indicates the vendor's approval. At the step 128 it is determined
if the vendor is willing to negotiate terms if and when this
product/service is reviewed and chosen for inclusion within a
bundle.
If it is determined at the step 128, that the vendor entering the
information about this product/service into the product entry
system is willing to negotiate terms when this product is included
within a bundle, then it is determined at the step 130, if the
vendor is willing to negotiate on price. At the step 131, the
vendor is prompted to determine whether or not the vendor is
willing to negotiate on quantity of the product/service available
for a bundle. If it is determined, at the step 128, that the vendor
is not willing to negotiate terms when this product is included
within a bundle or after it is determined, at the step 131, whether
or not the vendor is willing to negotiate on quantity, then at the
step 132, the vendor is prompted to enter the category for the
product/service, such as food, consumer electronic, computer,
sporting goods, book and toy. At the step 134, the vendor is
prompted to enter the dimensions and weight of the product. At the
step 136, the vendor is prompted to enter the packaging
alternatives for the product. At the step 138, the vendor is
prompted to enter any restrictions and/or exceptions associated
with the product/service. At the step 140, the vendor is prompted
to enter any issues that a potential bundle vendor should know
about shipping the product. At the step 142, the vendor is prompted
to enter whether or not the product is flammable or perishable. If
the vendor is listing this product/service only for inclusion in
virtual bundles, then the shipping information entered in the steps
132-142 is not necessary.
At the step 144, the vendor is prompted to enter information about
insurance and liability associated with the product/service. At the
step 146, the vendor is prompted to enter a photograph showing the
product or demonstration of the service. At the step 148, the
vendor is prompted to enter information regarding the origin of the
product. At the step 150, the vendor is prompted to enter
information regarding any time restrictions associated with the
product. At the step 152, the vendor is prompted to enter
information regarding inventory issues, such as whether the product
is available immediately or will be made on demand.
At the step 154, after it is determined whether the product is
available immediately or will be made on demand at the step 152, it
is then determined if all of the necessary information regarding
the product/service has been entered. As will be apparent to those
skilled in the art, not all of the information requested in the
steps 132-152 is necessary to enter for every product/service
posted on the bundle system. As an example, a coupon for a service
has no relevant dimensions and weight. If it is determined that all
of the information regarding the product/service has been entered,
then at the step 156, the product/service and associated
descriptive information is entered into the bundle system for
review by vendors creating bundles. If it is determined at the step
154, that all of the necessary information regarding the
product/service has not been entered, then at the step 158, the
vendor is prompted to re-enter the incomplete information. Once the
incomplete information is entered, then at the step 156, the
product/service and associated descriptive information is entered
into the bundle system for review by vendors creating bundles. The
process is then ended at the step 160.
A flowchart illustrating the bundle creation system process used
when a bundle vendor wants to create a bundle or collection of
products or services for sale within the bundle system of the
present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The bundle
creation system process begins at the step 170. When a bundle is
created, a vendor registered with the vendor access system 18
preferably takes the lead and reviews the available
products/services which have been entered into the bundle system
and the bundle negotiation system to generate a bundle or
collection of products/services that will be attractive to
consumers. A bundle can be any number of products/services, coupons
and/or other incentives. A bundle can even include only a single
product/service, coupon and/or other incentive.
At the step 172, this bundle vendor is prompted to enter the
products/services to be included within this bundle. At the step
174, the availability of the chosen products/services is confirmed
with the participant vendors who entered those products/services
into the bundle and bundle negotiation systems. At the step 176, it
is determined if all of the participant vendors approved of the
proposed bundle and confirmed the availability of their respective
products/services. For vendors who entered a product included
within the bundle and also declined approval of bundles in which
their product/service is included, this approval is automatically
entered by the system. If it is determined that any of the
participant vendors did not approve of the bundle or confirm the
availability of their respective products/services, then the bundle
vendor is notified at the step 178, that changes to the proposed
bundle must be made. The process then jumps back to the step 172 to
prompt the bundle vendor to enter the products/services to be
included within the bundle.
If it is determined at the step 176 that all of the participant
vendors did approve of the bundle and confirmed the availability of
their respective products/services, then the information for the
products/services within this bundle is consolidated at the step
180. At the step 182, a bundle profile is generated for this
bundle. For a virtual bundle, this profile includes information
about each of the products/services included in the bundle and that
each participant vendor is responsible for shipping or providing
their respective products/services directly to the purchasing
member. For non-virtual bundles, this profile includes information
about each of the products/services included in the bundle,
packaging and shipping issues, including size and number of
containers and cost of shipping. The bundle profile is then
distributed to the participant vendors at the step 184. At the step
186, it is determined if any of the participant vendors or the
bundle vendor had any changes to be made to the bundle profile. If
it is determined that none of the participant vendors nor the
bundle vendor had any changes to make to the bundle profile, then a
final bundle profile is generated at the step 208. After the final
bundle profile is generated at the step 208, the final bundle
profile is posted to the member access system 14 to be viewed and
purchased by members, at the step 210. The process then ends at the
step 212.
If it is determined, at the step 186, that one or more of the
participant vendors or the bundle vendor had changes to make to the
bundle profile, then the specific item is changed within the bundle
profile at the step 188. At the step 190, it is then determined if
member feedback on the bundle profile is to be obtained. If member
feedback on the bundle profile is to be obtained, then the bundle
profile is transferred to the member notification system process at
the step 192. The member notification system process is illustrated
in FIG. 7 and will be described below. If it is determined at the
step 190 that member feedback on the bundle profile is not to be
obtained, then it is determined at the step 193 if a new bundle
profile is to be generated. If a new bundle profile is to be
generated, then the process jumps back to the step 180 to
consolidate the bundle information and generate the new bundle
profile. If it is determined at the step 193 that a new bundle
profile does not need to be generated, the bundle profile is
distributed to the participant vendors at the step 194.
At the step 196, it is then determined if all of the participant
vendors and the bundle vendor now agree with the bundle profile. If
it is determined that all of the participant vendors and the bundle
vendor approve of the bundle profile, then a final bundle profile
is generated at the step 208. After the final bundle profile is
generated at the step 208, the final bundle profile is posted to
the member access system 14 to be viewed and purchased by members,
at the step 210. The process then ends at the step 212.
If it is determined, at the step 196, that all of the participant
vendors and the bundle vendor did not approve of the bundle
profile, then the areas of agreement are determined at the step 200
and the areas of disagreement are determined at the step 202. At
the step 204, these areas of agreement and disagreement are then
sent to the participant vendors and the bundle vendor. At the step
206, it is then determined if any changes need to be made to the
bundle profile. If changes are to be made to the bundle profile,
then the process jumps back to the step 180 to consolidate the
bundle information and generate the new bundle profile. If it is
determined at the step 206 that no changes are to be made to the
bundle profile, then a final bundle profile is generated at the
step 208. After the final bundle profile is generated at the step
208, the final bundle profile is posted to the member access system
14 to be viewed and purchased by members, at the step 210. The
process then ends at the step 212.
A flowchart illustrating the process used when a member accesses
the member access system 14 is illustrated in FIG. 6. The process
of FIG. 6 starts at the step 220. At the step 222 it is determined
if the user is registered as a member with the member access system
14. If the user is not yet registered as a member with the member
access system 14, then the user is registered as a member at the
step 224. At the step 226, the member is prompted to enter their
full name. At the step 228, the member is prompted to enter any
areas in which they are particularly interested. At the step 230,
the member is prompted to enter their age. At the step 232, the
member is prompted to enter the geographic area in which they are
located. At the step 234, the member is prompted to enter their
preferred method by which they would like to be contacted.
Once the user is registered as a member, it is then determined at
the step 236, if the member would like to view the currently
available bundles for purchase. If it is determined that the member
would like to view the currently available bundles, then at the
step 238, the member is presented with the bundles that are
currently available. When viewing these currently available bundles
the member also has the option of purchasing the bundles. If it is
determined at the step 236 that the member does not want to view
the currently available bundles, or once the member has completed
viewing the currently available bundles at the step 238, the
process then ends at the step 240.
A flowchart illustrating the member system notification process of
the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 7. The bundle system
of the preferred embodiment of the present invention allows a
bundle vendor who is generating a bundle to notify members of the
bundle system and obtain feedback and information from the members
regarding the bundle. This allows the bundle vendor to make changes
to the bundle to attempt to achieve more interest in the bundle
from members when it is offered for purchase.
The process of FIG. 7 starts at the step 250. At the step 252 a
list is generated of members to notify of the bundle. This list is
based on multiple criteria including geographic location and
interest areas. Once the list of members to notify is generated,
then at the step 254, the preferred notification methods for the
members on the list is determined. At the step 256, the members on
the notification list are then notified according to their
preferred notification method. The members on the notification list
are also notified of the current status of the bundle at the step
258. At the step 260, it is then determined for each member on the
notification list, if that member will purchase the bundle.
Preferably, no commitment from the member to purchase the bundle is
required at this time. Alternatively, a commitment to purchase the
bundle is recorded from the member at this time. If it is
determined that the member will not purchase the bundle, then the
process is ended for that member at the step 276. For members for
which it is determined, at the step 260, that they will purchase
the bundle, then the information for those members that will
purchase the bundle is consolidated at the step 262. This
consolidated member information is then presented to the bundle
participant vendors and the bundle vendor at the step 264. At the
step 266, it is then determined based on the number of members
willing to purchase the bundle, if the bundle should be changed. If
it is determined that the bundle should be changed, then the
process jumps to the bundle creation system process illustrated in
FIGS. 5A and 5B and discussed above.
If it is determined at the step 266 that no changes need to be made
to the bundle, then a final bundle profile is generated at the step
270. After the final bundle profile is generated at the step 270,
the final bundle profile is posted to the member access system 14
to be viewed and purchased by members, at the step 272. The process
then ends at the step 276.
A flowchart illustrating the bundle tracking system process is
illustrated in FIG. 8. As discussed above, the bundle tracking
system is available to both members, through the member access
system 14, and vendors, through the vendor access system 18. The
process illustrated in FIG. 8 starts at the step 290. At the step
292, the appropriate access level for the current member or vendor
is confirmed. The bundles currently available for viewing and
purchasing are displayed at the step 294. At the step 296, it is
determined for which specific bundle the user would like to view
the tracking and status information. If it is determined that the
user would not like to view tracking and status information for any
currently available bundle, then the process is ended at the step
310.
If a specific bundle is selected at the step 296, then the bundle
profile for that bundle is displayed at the step 298. At the step
300, a status report for the currently selected bundle is
generated. A bundle can have a status of passive, active, created,
selling or closed. A passive status indicates that the bundle has
been created, but no further actions have yet been taken regarding
the bundle. An active status indicates that the bundle is in the
process of being generated and readied for the members to purchase.
A created status indicates that the bundle is complete and ready to
ship. A selling status indicates that the bundle is currently
available for members to view and purchase. A closed status
indicates that the bundle has been completely sold and all
appropriate parties have been paid.
At the step 302, the status report for the currently selected
bundle is displayed for the user. At the step 304, it is determined
if the user has the authority to and would like to change the
tracking information for the bundle they are currently viewing. If
it is determined that the user does not want to change the tracking
information for the bundle they are currently viewing, then the
process is ended at the step 310. If it is determined, at the step
304, that the user does want to change the tracking information for
the bundle they are currently viewing, then the appropriate
information is changed at the step 306. At the step 308, the
updated status report is displayed for the user. The type and form
of status report displayed for the user will depend on the user's
relationship to the bundle and their access level. The process is
then ended at the step 310.
A flowchart illustrating the process involved in generating the
status report in step 300 of FIG. 8 is illustrated in FIG. 9. The
process is started at the step 320. At the step 322, the
participant vendors of the products/services within the bundle are
determined. At the step 324, the components of the bundle are
determined. At the step 326, the date of the generation of the last
update of the status report is determined. At the step 328, the
activity related to the bundle since the last update is determined.
At the step 330, it is determined if the bundle is currently being
shipped. If the bundle is currently being shipped, then the number
of units shipped to date are determined at the step 332. If it is
determined at the step 330, that the bundle is not currently being
shipped, then the items remaining to be completed before the bundle
is ready for shipping are determined at the step 334. The estimated
ship date of the bundle is then determined at the step 336. After
the number of units shipped is determined at the step 332 or after
the estimated ship date of the bundle is determined at the step
336, the process ends at the step 338.
Once registered with the vendor access system 18, a vendor can post
products/services, coupons, rebates and/or other incentives for
inclusion in bundles with other products/services, coupons, rebates
and/or other incentives by entering the product/service, coupon,
rebate and/or other incentive into the product entry system, as
described above. The product/service can be entered into the bundle
system, both when the vendor is not willing to negotiate on the
terms associated with the product/service, or, when the vendor is
willing to negotiate the terms associated with the product/service
with the bundle vendor. A bundle vendor is the vendor who generates
the bundle. The bundle vendor can also be a participant vendor, who
owns or provides one or more of the products/services within a
bundle. However, the bundle vendor could also just be a marketer,
member or consumer who does not own or provide any of the
products/services within the bundle, but has an idea for a bundle
of vendors' posted products/services that they believe would be
attractive to members of the bundle system of the present
invention.
To generate a bundle, the bundle vendor views the available
products/services, coupons, rebates and/or other incentives, within
the bundle system to determine the items to be included within the
current bundle. Once the appropriate products/services are
determined for the current bundle, the availability of the chosen
products/services is determined with the participant vendors. Once
all participant vendors approve the inclusion of their
products/services within the current bundle, a bundle profile is
generated and distributed to the participant vendors and the bundle
vendor. As part of this process, the bundle vendor can choose to
obtain feedback regarding the proposed bundle from the members. If
the bundle vendor decides to obtain this member feedback, the
bundle profile is distributed to certain members, based on
selection criteria, to determine if those members would purchase
this bundle. Once the bundle profile is approved by the participant
vendors and the bundle vendor, a final bundle profile is generated.
This final bundle profile is then posted as a bundle available for
purchase on the member access system.
Once registered with the members access system, members can view
and purchase the available bundles. A member purchases an available
bundle, by selecting the bundle for purchase and entering in the
member's payment information. Once the purchase is approved, the
products/services within the bundle are then shipped or provided to
the purchasing member. Depending on the bundle generated, the
products/services can be shipped or provided together, or
separately shipped and provided from each participant vendor. This
is determined during generation of the bundle profile. When a
bundle is purchased by a member, the number of bundles shipped is
incremented in order to ensure that the number of bundles purchased
will not exceed the number of available bundles. Once all of the
available units within a bundle have been sold, the bundle is
closed. Also, the bundle can be closed after a prescribed time
period, if not all of the available units within the bundle are
sold before the expiration of the prescribed time period. In an
alternative embodiment of the present invention, bundles are also
auctioned to members of the bundle system, as described above.
In the manner described herein, vendors are able to post available
products/services, rebates, coupons and/or other incentives for
inclusion in bundles which are advertised and sold to members.
Bundle vendors are then able to automatically generate bundles from
posted available items and advertise and sell those bundles to
members through the member access system. Once a bundle is
generated, the bundle is included within a bundle viewing system
which is accessed by members through the members access system. In
this bundle viewing system, a member can automatically select and
purchase an available bundle of products and/or services. When a
bundle is purchased by a member, the products/services within the
bundle are then shipped or provided to the member either as a unit
or separately from the participant vendors of the products/services
included within the bundle. Using the bundle system of the present
invention, vendors can post products/services for inclusion in
bundles advertised and sold to members of the bundle system.
The present invention has been described in terms of specific
embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding
of principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such
reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not
intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will
be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be
made in the embodiment chosen for illustration without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention. Specifically, it will
be apparent to those skilled in the art that while the preferred
embodiment of the present invention is accessible over the internet
through the public switched telephone network, the present
invention could also be accessible on any other appropriate
communication structures, including intranets, direct connections
and the like.
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